Page 43 of Tomlin

“If you expect me to be surprised, you’ll be disappointed,” S’kal said dryly. “Do you want to talk about what happened to you while you were gone?”

“Yes,” he admitted, surprising himself. “But not now.”

“Anytime.” His friend smiled at him. “I’m glad that’s possible now. And I’m glad that you will be here when our child is born. Evie has been worrying about it.”

“I’m glad I’ll be here too.”

They stood silently for a moment, both lost in thought. How much had changed since S’kal waded into that fight to assist him. Back then he’d been sure he’d be alone forever. Now, he had a family, a home, and Etta.

“Our lives have changed a lot, haven’t they?” S’kal asked, echoing his thoughts.

“Very much so.”

“Who would have thought we’d end up like this? Married, settled down. You with your scientist, me about to be a father.”

“I certainly did not,” he admitted. “But I am very happy that we did.”

“Indeed. We are lucky males, Tomlin.”

They exchanged a smile, then returned to the kitchen. S’kal took a seat next to Evie, lifting her onto his lap, and Etta came to join him.

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes. Temel is happy that I am returning. He also agreed we could build our house across the road.”

“That’s wonderful.”

As much as he enjoyed the warmth and friendship surrounding him, he suddenly felt the need to be alone with his mate. He took her hand and she followed him readily through the house, stopping to pick up their coats before stepping outside into the frosty evening. She immediately shivered.

“We could go to the barn,” he began, then hesitated as he sensed… activity from that direction. “No, the mill instead.”

He picked her up again and carried her through the orchard to the new mill S’kal had built. She smiled at him as he carried her inside and put her down.

“I’m glad everyone is happy you’re back, but it’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it? Even for me and I don’t have your abilities.”

“Yes. It’s nice to be welcomed but even positive emotions can be difficult when they are so strong.”

She nodded and began walking around the room, curiously examining the equipment.

“There seemed to be a number of pregnant women here,” she said, her voice carefully casual, and he breathed a silent sigh of relief. At last.

“Indeed.”

“What would you say if I told you I was going to be one of them?”

“I’d say it was about time you told me.”

Her eyes flew to his, wide and startled. “You knew?”

“Of course I did. But I wanted you to decide when to tell me. Why did you wait, sweetheart?”

“I suppose I was worried that you still had doubts.”

She knew how much he had struggled with the decision to have his fertility restored after they returned to the city, afraid of the legacy he would bestow on the child.

“I’m no longer worried. Our child will be loved and wanted and we will teach him whatever he needs to make his way through life.”

Tears were sparkling in her eyes again as she walked over and put her arms around him. As always, her embrace felt like coming home.

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